Sunderland look set to miss out on striker target Kieffer Moore, who seems more likely to stay at Bournemouth this month.
Sunderland are once again in desperate need of a new no.9. But it looked like they were finally closing in on what would’ve been an exciting signing, after launching a loan bid for Wales and Bournemouth striker Moore.
But it’s since been revealed that Bournemouth would prefer a permanent sale of the 31-year-old this month, all but ruling the Black Cats out of the race.
With that in mind, here’s five strikers that Michael Beale’s side could now target…
Macaulay Langstaff
Recent reports have revealed that Sunderland and League One hopefuls Derby County are both interested in a move for Notts County striker Macauley Langstaff, who’s so far scored 20 goals in 27 League Two appearances this season.
The robust 26-year-old scored a staggering 42 in the National League last season and is a natural goal-scorer, who can head the ball, run with it, and everything in between.
Divin Mubama
West Ham prospect Divin Mubama was linked with what seemed like an unlikely loan move to Derby County ahead of this month, but remains in East London.
The highly-rated 19-year-old, described as a ‘top player’ by Hammers boss David Moyes, has featured five times in the Premier League so far this season, but he appears to be well down the pecking order.
If West Ham bring in an attacking player before February 1st then Mubama could well be shipped out on loan, and Sunderland could be an attractive destination.
Jay Stansfield
Sunderland wanted to sign Jay Stansfield last summer before he joined what is now Tony Mowbray’s Birmingham City, and links to the Fulham youngster have emerged once again this month.
With Blues rapidly improving under Mowbray, Stansfield may well be kept at St Andrew’s, but with Sunderland much further up the table, they may well remain an attractive proposition should Fulham fancy a change.
Jonson Clarke-Harris
Sunderland seem to have been linked with Jonson Clarke-Harris, on and off, for years.
The 29-year-old striker is currently exiled at Peterborough amid a contract stand-off and he’s been linked with a potential exit this month, with his deal out in the summer.
Teams like Wrexham have been mentioned but given Clarke-Harris’ record over the past few years; 27 goals in League One last season and six in 17 in the league this year to mention a couple of campaigns, he still has a lot to offer, and maybe even at Championship level.
Morgan Whittaker
Perhaps the most ambitious and potentially costly suggestion on this list is Morgan Whittaker.
The ex-Swansea City man sealed a £1million move to Plymouth Argyle in the summer and hasn’t looked back since, scoring 15 and assisting six more in 28 Championship outings so far this season.
He’s the second-highest scorer in the Championship and a real prospect at 23 years old, and if Sunderland are serious about backing Beale and building for the future, forking out on a player like Whittaker seems like a smart move, albeit unlikely.
